Who Is This? Is He John The Baptist?

Eccl 1:2-11
Luke 9:7-9

Who is this? Is he John the Baptist or any of the prophets from of old?
In today’s Gospel (Lk 9:7-9) we see that Herod has become aware of the presence of Christ in his jurisdiction.
Herod was eager to see Jesus and with his heart troubled, the questioning already anticipate his encounter with Jesus during the Lord’s passion. However, his encounter was not for interior conversion but
barely mere human investigation but went in history as those who condemned the Messiah. The accomplishment of any leader in public positions is linked to personal encounters he has with God. A leader who cannot find time to listen to God cannot represent God adequately in the public. You cannot speak for God if you do not welcome Him into your heart. And “the ultimate test of your greatness is how you treat every human being”-John Paul II.

Herod has also heard the people speaking about Jesus and it shows us that despite his many signs, miracles and his preaching, the people still do not see Jesus as the Messiah.They still think He is John the Baptist or one of the ancient prophets come back to life. We too must ask ourselves who Christ is for us. Is He simply a saintly man, someone who preached about love and moral living or is He really our Lord and Saviour? May God increase our zeal to do His will and help us to grow in the awareness of His love & truth. Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho